Drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu

The Pacific Coast Highway – or PCH as locals lovingly refer to it – is a stunning stretch of coastal highway that runs along the ocean from Santa Monica right up to Malibu. To the left, you’ll see surfers riding the waves; to the right are multimillion-dollar homes precariously perched on the cliffs.

Once you get to Malibu, take a stroll to the end of Malibu pier, where you’ll find the Ranch at the Pier boutique. Run by local resident Alice Bamford (the daughter of British JCB billionaire Antony Bamford), this is the place to come to pick up surf gear and stylish knick-knacks. Also on the pier is Malibu Farm, a great spot for organic Cali-inspired dishes, or tuck into baskets of fried shrimp with the local bikers at Neptune’s Net.

To avoid the crowds, head to some of the lesser-known, slightly more inaccessible beaches – Point Dume and Leo Carillo are some of the loveliest in the area and are both great spots for watching surfers and the sunset.

Also uncrowded and pristine, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is one of LA’s best stretches of sand – watch for whales and dolphins off-shore. It’s also an estuary with a wetlands area, great for bird-watching with tide pools ripe for exploration. There’s excellent surfing here, including Surfrider Beach, one of LA’s most famous breaks.